Updated March 15th, 2025

One of my favorite ways to style a living or family room is to use ottomans, poufs, and benches—mainly because they're so versatile, which I love! So, if you're wondering which piece is best for your space, keep reading because we will dive into each one and how they can work for you.

Before proceeding with all the content, download our complimentary guide, Seven Interior Design Mistakes to Avoid. You’ll feel like you have an interior designer in your ear, guiding you to make the right decisions so you can enjoy a beautiful and cohesive space.

Ottomans

I love to use an ottoman as a coffee table in a living or family room because it serves as a coffee table plus a comfortable spot to prop up your feet. If you need a place to set a drink, place a tray in the middle. Not only is this stylish, but it is also very functional.

In one of our most recent projects, More Fun than Fancy, we added this piece to the customized ottoman to add texture and a fun look to the room!

Another great piece is a leather ottoman; it is extremely handsome, easy to care for, and kid-friendly. Bonus: you can use an ottoman for extra seating as it is easy to move around!

For our Revere Pewter and Dreamy Kitchen Project, we played with the textures. We added leather to the cushioned part and a metal structure to hold it together. It elevates the piece's look and gives it a touch of luxury and charm.

We also included a rattan tray to make it cohesive and balance it with the other elements. I love how everything comes together perfectly!

What's your favorite thing about this design? Comment below.

Another favorite trait about ottomans is that some can serve as storage solutions, allowing you to keep your items away and keep your space organized.

If you're ready to include this piece to your living or family room, here are some of my favorite ones. Please note we're using affiliate links, so you can read our policy here.

Poufs

The pouf is such a cozy and versatile addition to any space. Soft and easy to move around, it’s perfect for propping up your feet or adding texture to your decor. You can add one anywhere you need a little extra comfort.

If your bedroom has a sitting area, consider adding a pouf. I love the textured details of our Cozy Family Sanctuary. These pieces are customized and built for this space, making this design look completely balanced.

Sometimes, it's easy to confuse a stool and a pouf, but their main differences lie in their design and functionality. 

Typically, a stool is a small, often backless seat intended for sitting. A pouf, on the other hand, is more rounded and tends to be more casual in style.

A stool might be the way to go if you're looking for something structured for sitting, while a pouf offers a more flexible and relaxed option.

Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Benches

Let me show you all the ways to use a bench in your home.

• First, place a bench on one side of your dining table for plenty of seating when you have guests. You can squeeze a lot of little kids here!
• Place a bench at the foot of the bed to set your purse or sit when putting on your shoes. It is a great way to make a design transition and works well if you don’t have a footboard.
• I like to use a console table in an entry or hallway and place a bench or two underneath for extra seating in a pinch. It is stylish and functional! You can even use a bench or 2 poufs as a coffee table in your living room. The options are endless!!

Loving what you see? Shop my favorite benches here:

But how do you choose? I know it’s hard. Recently, I polled my IG followers about decision fatigue. So many of them have difficulty making decisions, and I get it, especially when you have so many good choices!

My advice? When you have several good options, narrow it down and then pick one or ask someone else (not everyone) to choose for you. Ask someone you trust; if they can tell you why, that’s even better.

I help my clients the most by designing unique spaces. Making design decisions can be overwhelming and stressful. If you’re unsure, let someone else handle it for you. You’ll save time and stress. So if you're ready, inquire about our services today.